Promoting “People to People” diplomacy since 1963!

Sochi, Russia

About the City and AssociationFormed in 1989, the Long Beach-Sochi Committee is a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to promoting goodwill and better understanding between the two cultures. It relies on donations from the community and local businesses for the funding of its programs. Formal agreements between the two cities were signed in April of 1990, when representatives from the city of Sochi and the Rendezvous Society arrived.

Located on the northeastern coast of the Black Sea. Sochi is long renowned as the largest resort/spa city on the “Russian Riviera.” Among the lovely parks of Sochi is the Arboretum. Its centerpiece is the Friendship Tree and grove. As a symbol of peace and friendship, the original Friendship Tree contains over 600 grafts placed there by representatives from 140 nations of the world. Because of the Friendship Tree and Museum and numerous other peace – promoting activities, Sochi was awarded in 1987 the honorary title of “Envoy of Peace” by the United Nations.

Mission
To facilitate the flow of ideas people and business between the cities of Long Beach and Sochi, Russia by promoting cultural, educational and business exchanges.

Benefits for Long BeachThe Sister City Committee has sponsored the creation of a book of friendship messages delivered to the Friendship Tree Museum in Sochi, a display of children’s art from Sochi and other parts of Russian Federation at the Long Beach Children’s Museum, a Children’s art exchange, a pen-pal program in the schools, an exhibit of Siberian-Russian photographs at the Long Beach City Library and an evening of classical music featuring Russian violaist Igor Borodin and American pianist Dexter Grey.

Benefits for the City
Dedicated to people-to-people exchanges, our organization has hosted students and teachers from Kazakhstan, arranged home visits for a Sochi busninessman who had participated in the Enterprise Development Program and welcomed Russian marine scientists. Most recently, it has welcomed another delegation from Sochi consisting of twelve students and three adults. If you would like to volunteer time or services, call (562) 595-6042.

Major Industries
More than a city of peace, Sochi is a city of health. It stretches for 145 km along the Black Sea coast, and the warm seas and curative hydrogen sulfide springs make Sochi an attractive seaside health resort. There are more than 200 health resorts (sanatoriums) in the area. More than three million people visit Sochi each year from other parts of Russia and from many other countries.

Recent Activities
The Long Beach-Sochi Russia Sister City Committee has taken the lead in the project to restore the Bandshell Building in Recreation Park and actively participatied with Sochi City Officials in the planning for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Membership

For more information about the Long Beach-Sochi Russia Sister City Committee, please contact: